Maker and student of industrial design Daniel Theurich has released a guide to building a 3D-printable dock to wirelessly charge smartphones — integrating a compact 20W Qi standard charging module.
“I created GLYPH in order to simplify the device charging process,” Theurich says of his creation, which at first glance appears to be a single piece of plastic. “With this product you do not have to worry about plugging and unplugging your device. All you have to do is set your phone down on the stand and it starts charging.”
The GLYPH phone stand uses a clever modular design to hide a 20W Qi standard wireless charging coil. (📷: Daniel Theurich)
The device, designed in Autodesk Fusion 360, is a little more complex than its exterior would suggest. The visible exterior is a single 3D-printed shell, with a lip at the base to hold the phone securely. This sits atop a two-part inner assembly that positions the Qi charging coil in the right place, with a third part holding the charging circuitry and making a USB Type-C connector available at the rear.
“[The design offers] easy assembly with snap-fit lid closure,” Theurich explains. “I sanded the PLA components and spray painted a matte finish. I was able to prototype designs using 3D printers at my school.”
More information on the design is available on Theurich’s Instructables page, including a link to the specific model of charger used and the STL files for printing.